Lebu Valley, where Lebu means a good place in Tibetan. It boasts a pleasant climate, rich biodiversity, stunning landscapes, and is filled with birdsong and fragrant flowers. It remains green all year round, blooming with beautiful rhododendrons, jasmines, Chinese roses, and a variety of unnamed wildflowers, making it a true wonder of the Western Plateau.

Cona · 18.9 km from downtown

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No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Tibet

Potala Palace

8.2

4.7/5

22.5k reviews

The Potala Palace is the symbol of Xizang and a sacred place in the hearts of all pilgrims! "Potala" is a Sanskrit word, also translated as "Putuo", which originally refers to the residence of Guanyin Bodhisattva. When you come here, you can not only view the large number of historical relics collected in the palace, appreciate the wonderful architectural art of the Tibetan people, but also have a baptism of the soul in that holy atmosphere. The origin of the Potala Palace According to historical records: In the 1930s of the seventh century AD, the 33rd Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo moved the capital to Lhasa and began to build the Potala Palace. Since then, major religious and political ceremonies have been held here, and it has become the ruling center of Xizang integration of politics and religion. The White Palace and the Red Palace The Potala Palace has a distinct Tibetan style and is majestic. It is the existing complete palace-style building complex in Xizang and is known as one of the world's top ten earth buildings. Its main buildings are divided into two parts: the White Palace and the Red Palace. The White Palace is named after its white exterior wall. It is the place where the lamas live and conduct political activities. Because the sun shines all day long, it is called the East and West Sunlight Palaces. The Red Palace is located at the top center of the Potala Palace. Its outer wall is red and it consists of many stupas and various Buddhist temples. Historical relics The Potala Palace houses and preserves a large number of historical relics, including stupas, statues, murals, thangkas, scriptures and books, as well as gold books, jade books, gold seals granted by the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties, which show the historical relationship between the Xizang local government and the central government, as well as gold and silver wares, jade wares, porcelain, enamel and handicrafts. Among them, the eight stupas from the fifth generation are eye-catching. They are all magnificent and decorated with a dazzling array of gems, which can be called a palace of art.

China · Lhasa

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No. 1 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Tibet

Basomtso

7.6

4.6/5

3.2k reviews

Basomtso is located in Gongbo'gyamda County, Nyingchi. It is a famous sacred lake of the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism and holds a high religious status. The lake water is emerald green and gentle, surrounded by lush green mountains, and the scenery is truly beautiful. The Cuozong Gongba Temple on the island in the center of the lake has a long history and features unique sculptures and architecture. Tourism here is fairly well developed, making it one of Xizang's more established attractions. After entering the attraction, visitors need to take a sightseeing bus to get around, and the route usually stops at three points: beside the island in the middle of the lake, the viewing platform, and Jieba Village. In addition, the attraction offers yachts for lake cruises, which require an extra fee. The attraction allows visitors to reach the island via a wooden boardwalk built over the lake. The Cuozong Gongba Temple on the island was built in the late Tang Dynasty, and the rocks on the island are all carved into unique animal figures and Buddha statues, which is truly remarkable. The viewing platform is not far from the island in the center of the lake; from this slightly elevated angle, you can overlook the lake water and the small island—this is where the attraction's classic photo spot is located. Jieba Village is a quiet village by the lake. Since many tour groups do not stop here, it has instead preserved the tranquility and leisure of this place. The village has a bit of the flavor of a Swiss town and is quite lovely.

China · Gongbo'gyamda

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No. 3 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Tibet

Yamdrok Yumtso

7.5

4.6/5

2.5k reviews

Yamdrok Yumtso means "swan pool" in Tibetan and is also called Yamdrok Yumtso Lake, locally referred to as "Yang Lake" for short. Along with Namtso and Mapam Yumtso, it is known as one of the three holy lakes of Xizang. Located on the south bank of the Yarlung Zangbo River in Nagarze County, Shannan City, the lake surface sits at an elevation of approx. 4400 m, making it a relatively large inland lake on the northern foothills of the Himalayas. Yamdrok Yumtso has numerous branching inlets and winding tributaries, resembling coral branches spreading among the mountains when viewed from above, hence its Tibetan name "upper coral lake." The lake water displays alternating layers of blue and green under different lighting conditions. The lake is dotted with over a dozen small islands and is home to plateau fish species such as the fine-scaled fish, Xizang schizothoracin, and plateau naked carp. It is also an important waterbird habitat in southern Xizang, where migratory birds like swans, bar-headed geese, yellow ducks, and ospreys gather in flocks along the lakeshore and on the central islands to overwinter each winter. Yamdrok Yumtso is more impressive when viewed from afar than up close. After crossing the Gambala Pass at an altitude of about 5,000 meters, the view suddenly opens up, and the winding lake surface can be seen like a ribbon below—a classic angle to admire Yamdrok Yumtso. Descending the winding mountain road for about half an hour leads to the lakeshore, with multiple viewing platforms along the way for stopping to take photos and appreciate the changing colors of the lake and the interplay of mountains and water from different heights.

China · Nagarze County

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No. 1 of Global Traveller-Picked Attractions in Lhasa

Jokhang Temple

7.1

4.5/5

4.6k reviews

Jokhang Temple, known as "Jokhang" in Tibetan and also called "Tsulag Khang," is the ultimate destination for Tibetan Buddhist devotees. In their hearts, Jokhang Temple is as sacred as the Potala Palace. Both geographically and spiritually, Jokhang Temple is the true holy site and center of Tibetan Buddhism, holding an exceptionally lofty and pure status in Tibetan Buddhist history. Built in the mid-7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo to enshrine the 8-year-old life-sized statue of Sakyamuni brought by his Nepalese princess Bhrikuti from her hometown of Kathmandu, Jokhang Temple gained further prominence in 1409 when Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug school, propagated Buddhist teachings and held the Great Prayer Festival here, solidifying its pivotal role in Tibetan Buddhist history. In the 8th century, the 12-year-old life-sized statue of Sakyamuni brought by Princess Wencheng of the Tang Dynasty from Chang'an was enshrined in Jokhang Temple, becoming its most treasured relic and a must-see for travelers and pilgrims alike. In addition, the temple houses nearly 1 km-long Tibetan-style murals depicting "Princess Wencheng's journey to Tibet" and "The construction of Jokhang Temple," as well as two embroidered thangkas of guardian deities from the Ming Dynasty, which are rare artistic treasures. Lhasa has three circumambulation routes—inner, middle, and outer—all centered around Jokhang Temple. The inner route, called "Nangkhor," circles the Jokhang Hall within the temple. The middle route, called "Barkhor," goes around the outer perimeter of Jokhang Temple. The outer route, called "Lingkhor," encompasses the Potala Palace, Chakpori Hill, Ramoche Temple, and Jokhang Temple. Attraction guide: Entering Jokhang Temple through the main gate leads to a courtyard. On the east side of the courtyard are rows of butter lamps, which remain lit year-round as devotees replenish the butter daily. Behind the butter lamps is the main entrance to Jokhang Temple's central hall. To the left of the entrance is a statue of Padmasambhava, founder of the Nyingma school, and to the right is Jampa Buddha, also known as Maitreya or the Future Buddha. The right wall features murals depicting the temple's founding, including scenes of the Potala Palace in the 7th century and the lake-filling construction of Jokhang Temple. Proceeding clockwise, visitors encounter the chapel dedicated to Tsongkhapa, founder of the Gelug school, and his eight disciples. Continuing right, passing the Yaksha and Naga chapels, and beyond hundreds of butter lamps lies the renowned "Jokhang" Hall—the heart and essence of the temple. At its center is the main assembly hall, where monks chant and meditate, surrounded by smaller chapels. The unmissable highlight is the central chapel housing the 12-year-old life-sized golden statue of Sakyamuni, brought by Princess Wencheng. This sacred center of Jokhang Temple is the ultimate destination for devout pilgrims. Stairs beside the courtyard lead to the second and third floors. The second floor features the Dharmaraja Chapel, with statues of King Songtsen Gampo, Princess Wencheng, and Princess Bhrikuti, as well as the Palden Lhamo Chapel dedicated to the protective deity. The spacious terrace on the second floor offers a panoramic view of the Potala Palace, making it an ideal photo spot. The third floor's golden roofs are another attraction, though this level is rarely open to the public. If fortunate enough to ascend, visitors are awestruck by the four resplendent golden pinnacles.

China · Lhasa

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Princess Wencheng Theater

7

4.2/5

118 reviews

Princess Wencheng Theater is located in Cijuelin Valley on the south bank of Lhasa River. It reconstructs the epic of marriage 1,300 years ago with an open-air stage at an altitude of more than 3,000 meters. This high-altitude live-action theater, backed by the mountains projected by the Potala Palace, uses the natural mountain as a curtain, and uses the starry sky, snow-capped peaks and Tibetan watchtowers to interpret the magnificent chapter of the integration of Han and Tibetan civilizations. The core of the theater is the 90-minute large-scale live-action drama "Princess Wencheng". On the stage of more than 20,000 square meters, more than a dozen Tibetan and Han actors recreate the legend of the princess carrying the life-size statue of Sakyamuni at the age of 12 into Tibet with scenes such as galloping horses, moving Buddhist temples, and pouring waterfalls. Scenes such as the collapse of the Winter Palace, the snowy wedding, and the Tibetan wedding, combined with laser-projected thangkas and real herds of cattle and sheep, draw the audience into the torrent of history. The theater is surrounded by rich supporting facilities, and the Princess Wencheng Tibetan Cultural Park is full of special cultural and creative products. Every time there is a performance, there will be a grand garden party, which is very lively.

China · Lhasa

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No. 3 of Night Attractions in Tibet

Barkhor Street

6.6

4.7/5

1.2k reviews

Barkhor Street, also known as Bajiao Street located in Lhasa, Tibet. The street is a well known ancient street representing the culture and folk customs of Tibet. While walking on the street, you can experience what life was like in the past, and experience the food and culture of natives to Lhasa. You can view and learn things from traditional dress, and dances, to traditional meals, to the architecture of the town itself, which has been well preserved throughout the years. Barkhor Street is a must-visit location to experience in Lhasa.

China · Lhasa

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No. 10 of Best Things to Do in Tibet

Tibet Museum

6.2

4.5/5

540 reviews

The Tibet Museum is located across the road in the east of Norbulingka in Lhasa City. It is the first museum with modern functions in Tibet. There are many precious cultural relics in the museum, showing the splendid culture and long history of the unique charm of the Tibetan nation. The museum is divided into three floors, the first floor is a tourist souvenir shop, the second floor is a Tibetan history exhibition, and the third floor is special exhibitions and temporary exhibitions such as thangkas, animals and plants, and jade. The exhibition hall of the museum consists of four major parts: prehistoric culture, indivisible history, culture and art, and folk culture. Each exhibition hall displays a wealth of treasures in the collection, such as statues of Buddha and Bodhisattva in various textures and shapes, handwritten Tibetan classics dipped in gold powder, silver powder, coral powder, etc. Jade sticks used in rituals, colorful thangkas, various musical instruments and instruments, handicrafts with distinctive national characteristics, pottery with unique styles, etc., from Tibetan history, culture, art, religion, folk customs, etc. It shows the audience the splendid culture and long history of the Tibetan people's unique charm. The prehistoric culture exhibition hall displays the stone chips, stone cores and other Paleolithic tools of daily life excavated in northern Tibet in the early days, as well as stone adzes, stone axes, stone chisels and stone clusters, bone cones, bones unearthed in Qamdo in the late Neolithic Age. The needles and various red, grey and black pottery utensils completely reproduce several representative eras before Tibet entered a civilized society: the Paleolithic, Neolithic, Bronze Age and Iron Age. The inseparable history exhibition hall intuitively reveals that Tibet has been an important and inseparable part of China since ancient times through some precious historical materials. The two exhibition halls of culture and art and folk culture vividly show the audience the long history and splendid culture of Tibet with exquisite Buddhist statues, thangkas, pottery, scriptures and other precious cultural relics. A must-see in all the collections of the Fifth Golden Seal is the Fifth Golden Seal. At that time, Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso went to Beijing for pilgrimage in order to obtain the support of the central government of the Qing Dynasty, and he was bestowed upon him after the fifth Ngawang Lhasang Gyatso was enshrined in Shunzhi. The golden seal is made of pure gold and weighs 8.5 kilograms. The seals are written in Han, Tibetan, Manchu and Mongolian. In addition, there is also a legend that Princess Wencheng drew a "witch map" thangka about the terrain of the Tibetan area. In the picture, a witch is lying on her back. There are temples built in twelve important parts of her body, such as the joints and the heart. The Jokhang Temple is located at the heart of the witch, which has a profound meaning. Audio guides are available in the museum and can be rented for free at the gate. Entering the exhibition hall, in front of different exhibits, you can hear the explanations of the exhibits in four languages including Tibetan, Chinese, Japanese and English. For the protection of cultural relics, the museum stipulates that photography is not allowed in the exhibition hall, please follow the regulations.

China · Lhasa

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No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Nyingchi

Kadinggou Scenic Area

6.1

4.5/5

187 reviews

Kadinggou Attraction, also known as Kading Tianfo Waterfall Forest Attraction, is located on the banks of the Niyang River, 24 kilometers from Bayi Town on National Highway 318. The valley is full of towering ancient trees and gurgling water, and the environment is very beautiful. The cliffs on both sides have peculiar shapes, with various images such as big Buddhas and animals. There is also a 200-meter-high Tianfo Waterfall in the depths of the canyon, which is very beautiful. Kadinggou Scenic Attraction is not large. There are steps and plank roads in the Attraction, and you can walk around in about an hour. The main attraction in the Attraction is Tianfo Waterfall. Going up to the viewing platform, the silver chain-like water flows on the cliff, which is very spectacular. When the waterfall is small, it floats down like a silver chain, and when the water is large, it is magnificent and thrilling. There is a naturally formed Buddha statue on the rock wall behind the waterfall. It is said that this is the patron saint of Tibetan compatriots in Linzhi area. The face is clear, as if it was artificially carved. There are male and female guardians on both sides of the Buddha statue, and they are also solemn and lifelike. The female guardian Bandan Lhamo on the right is about 100 meters tall. You can vaguely see that she is wearing a veil, a ribbon around her waist, and holding Buddhist beads. Her image is lifelike; on the left is Jigong worshipping Buddha, and her image is equally lifelike. In addition to the heavenly Buddha and the guardians on both sides, there are also naturally formed abstract Buddhist landscapes around the cliff, such as Tathagata, Guanyin, Lama chanting, divine turtle calling the sky, divine eagle offering treasures, and butter lamps. Although they are also lifelike, they still require a little imagination. It is said that people with a predestined relationship with Buddhism can better see their forms. Under the waterfall, local Tibetans often support their elderly parents to come here to worship, hang prayer flags and offer Hada.

China · Nyingchi

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No. 1 of Family-friendly Attractions in Tibet

Norbulingka

6

4.4/5

714 reviews

Norbulingka is a palace and surrounding park in Lhasa, Tibet, which has a lot of relics and treasures remained. As a huge and exquisite park of Tibet, there are more than 300 rooms in it. Norbulingka has a beautiful scenery surrounded by various types and numbers of plants and flowers, which is like a wondering place of the earth.

China · Lhasa

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Free things to do in Cona

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What travellers say about Cona

好景致July 28, 2023

5.0

Lebu Valley is the Chinese-controlled zone in the Menyu region, which includes four Menba townships (Gongri, Jiba, Mama, Le Township). It is a southward-extending canyon in the eastern section of the Himalayas, from the Bora Pass at an altitude of 4,500 meters to the bottom of the Lebu Valley at an altitude of 2,800 meters. The Menyu region is Lebu Valley plus the Indian-controlled Tawang region. Tsangyang Gyatso was born here in 1683. He is the only Dalai Lama who is neither Tibetan nor Mongolian. Although he is talented, he is indeed a victim of the power struggle. In 1962, General Zhang Guohua commanded the self-defense counterattack against India on the border here.